Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is embarking on a major restructuring plan for its government as part of efforts to streamline its political and administrative system. Announced during the 35th meeting of the HCMC Party Committee on December 28, 2023, this initiative aims to optimize the structure of the city’s governance to respond effectively to its unique socio-economic challenges.
The proposed changes are significant, potentially reducing the number of agencies helping the City Party Committee from six to five and cutting the number of Party committees from 51 to 27. This effort reflects HCMC’s determination to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic overlap.
According to Nguyen Duc Quyen, an expert on public management, the biggest difficulty lies in finding the balance between streamlining the administrative body and ensuring its effective operation. "The process of reviewing and restructuring such a complex system requires considerable time and effort, particularly for HCMC, which has diverse economic and cultural characteristics," he said.
The restructuring plan, informed by Resolution 98, allows HCMC to propose specific mechanisms aligned with the city’s unique characteristics. Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, emphasized the importance of designing organizational models suited for HCMC’s special circumstances. "This restructuring will provide HCMC with more autonomy to propose specific mechanisms aligned with the city’s unique characteristics," he pointed out.
The approach is not merely about reducing numbers; it's strategizing for greater functional capacity. "The plan is not just about cutting back; it’s about enhancing the functional capabilities of our government bodies," noted Nguyen Thi Thien Tri from the University of Law. This restructuring is seen as necessary not only for efficiency but also to adapt to rapid socio-economic changes.
The expected outcomes of this restructuring include improved efficiency, enhanced citizen satisfaction, and greater responsiveness from government bodies. Trần Anh Tuấn, head of the HCMC Management Innovation Board, reinforced the need for immediate implementation with radical reforms and distinct priorities. He stated, "Immediate implementation is necessary with radical reforms and distinct priorities for efficiency."
This plan is set against the backdrop of HCMC's rapid urbanization and growing population, factors contributing to the increasing complexity of its governance. Officials are tasked with ensuring the restructuring meets the needs of the citizens and supports the city's future growth.
Given the diverse nature of the city, officials must also navigate the challenging task of balancing specialization with broad oversight. Each government agency is expected to actively reassess its functions and responsibilities, as the restructuring aims to facilitate more integrated and streamlined governance.
Assessing the current administrative setup, experts stress the importance of not merely slashing through the existing organizational structure but ensuring sustainable support for the initiative. The idea is not to compromise the city's governance capacity but to redefine it for greater responsiveness and operational clarity.
This comprehensive effort constitutes not just administrative enhancement but also supports HCMC’s ambition to be a model for reform throughout Vietnam. The projected timeline for implementing the improvements will likely take several years, as adjustments need to be made cautiously to avoid disrupting existing services.
City leaders are aware of the potential challenges, including public resistance to changes, and are emphasizing the necessity of transparency and public engagement. Regular feedback mechanisms are planned to involve citizens and stakeholders alike as part of this important transition.
These reforms put HCMC on the forefront of administrative development, likely setting precedents for how other cities across Vietnam might approach governance improvements. The specifics of the restructuring plan, along with its anticipated benefits, could significantly alter how the city operates.
Through thorough assessments and acknowledging the unique needs of its population, HCMC is positioning itself for significant advancements, reflecting broader tendencies toward effective governance and modern administrative practices.
